U.S. patent application number 13/889893 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for fishing lure and attractors and methods of manufacture.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jason K. Schwartz. Invention is credited to Jason K. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20130312311 13/889893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44759889 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130312311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schwartz; Jason K. |
November 28, 2013 |
Fishing Lure and Attractors and Methods of Manufacture
Abstract
A blade body component of a fishing lure formed from a material
that includes a first side and a second side, wherein a surface
relief grating image effect component is positioned on at least one
side of the blade body component. In certain embodiments, the blade
body component includes a curvature produced by a curving device.
The blade body may be part of a quick change blade system that
allows the user to quickly and easily remove and replace one or
more of the blade body component on a fishing lure by using a
combination of a quick change clevis and a clasp.
Inventors: |
Schwartz; Jason K.;
(Deerfield, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schwartz; Jason K. |
Deerfield |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44759889 |
Appl. No.: |
13/889893 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13011540 |
Jan 21, 2011 |
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13889893 |
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61322395 |
Apr 9, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
43/42.34 ;
43/42.53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 85/01 20130101;
A01K 85/10 20130101; A01K 85/00 20130101; A01K 85/16 20130101; A01K
91/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/42.34 ;
43/42.53 |
International
Class: |
A01K 85/00 20060101
A01K085/00 |
Claims
1. A fishing lure apparatus comprising a blade body, said blade
body containing a first side and a second side, said blade body
containing at least one hole, said blade body configured with a
curvature, such that said blade body will vibrate as it is pulled
through water, said first side of said blade body comprising a
surface relief grating image effect component, such that said
surface relief grating causes a three dimensional or holographic
reflection to appear when the blade body is exposed to a light
source, thereby better attracting fish towards the blade.
2. The fishing lure apparatus in claim 1, wherein said second side
of said blade body comprises a surface relief grating image effect
component.
3. The fishing lure apparatus in claim 1, wherein said first side
of said blade body is finished.
4. The fishing lure apparatus in claim 3, wherein said blade body
is finished by painting, powder-coating or plating said first
side.
5. The fishing lure apparatus in claim 2, wherein said second side
of said blade body is finished.
6. The fishing lure apparatus in claim 5, wherein said blade body
is finished by painting, powder-coating or plating said second
side.
7. A method of manufacturing a fishing lure blade body comprising a
surface relief grating image effect component, comprising the steps
of: forming a blade body shape using a material containing a
surface relief grating image effect, such that said surface relief
grating causes a three dimensional or holographic reflection to
appear when the fishing lure blade body is exposed to a light
source, thereby better attracting fish towards the blade; stamping
at least one hole in the blade body, and curving the blade body
such that said blade body will vibrate as it is pulled through
water.
8. The method of manufacturing a fishing lure blade body in claim
7, wherein said material is metal.
9. The method of manufacturing a fishing lure blade body in claim
7, wherein said material is non-metal.
10. The method of manufacturing a fishing lure blade body in claim
7, wherein said material is an alloy.
11. The method of manufacturing a fishing lure blade body in claim
7, wherein said blade body shape comprises one of the following
lures: spinnerbait, buzzbait, in-line spinners, French spinners,
vibrating lures, casting spoons, jigs, trolling spoons, flutter
spoons, weedless spoons and ice blades.
12. The method of manufacturing a fishing lure blade body in claim
7, wherein said blade body shape comprises one of the following
blade body component: Colorado, Willow, Indiana, Chopper, French,
Dakota, In-Line, Doc Shelton, Muskie, Delta, Propeller, Quad
Propeller, Chopper Propeller, Clacker, Jig Dancer, Plug Bill lip,
Jitterbug Bib, Flap Tail, Creeper Wings and Tally Wacker Tails. The
method of manufacturing a fishing lure blade body in claim 7,
wherein said blade body shape comprises one of the following
attractors: Dodgers, Flashers and Divers. The method of
manufacturing a fishing lure blade body in claim 7, wherein said
method comprises a progressive stamping die system.
Description
PRIORITY STATEMENT
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application 61/322,395 filed Apr. 9, 2010.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to fishing lures and
attractors, and more particularly to fishing lures that include a
blade body component with at least one surface that aids in
attracting fish to the lure and methods of manufacturing same.
[0003] The present invention also contemplates a quick change blade
system that allows the user to quickly and easily remove and
replace one or more of the blade body component on a fishing lure
or spinnerbait. By using a combination of a quick change clevis and
a clasp, the user can change one or both of the blades of the lure
without the need for re-tying knots or removing and replacing the
entire lure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Fishing lures and attractors are used to attract fish such
as through movement, vibration, and color. Most fishing lures
incorporate a hook--or plurality of hooks--so that a fish bites the
hook. The hook catches the fish when the fish attacks the fishing
lure.
[0005] There are many types of fishing lures and attractors. They
are all manufactured in different ways to resemble prey for the
fish in most cases, but are sometimes engineered to appeal to the
sense of territory, curiosity or anger of the fish. Most lures are
made to look like dying, injured, or fast moving prey and include
the following types: jig, surface lure, blade lure, plug,
artificial fly, soft baits make of plastic or rubber designed to
resemble worms, leeches or other creatures, spinnerbait, and swim
bait.
[0006] When fishing, there may be a need to change blades on a
fishing lure. Depending on changing weather and water conditions
(usually changing weather will have an effect on the water
conditions), there is a need to change from one type of blade to
another. One blade may be a better attractor in cloudy water, while
another blade may be a better attractor in clear water. For
example, if a cloudy day begins to clear up and as clouds disperse,
the sun may allow for improved viewing under water.
[0007] Accordingly, a different blade may be a better choice for
fishing at that time. The user would have to replace the fishing
lure currently being used with another having different blades.
This will take time and the user may end up with a lure that has
the best blades for that situation, but not the best head or body.
Currently, the user would have to replace the entire fishing lure
in order to obtain the optimal fishing lure for the changing
conditions.
[0008] As such, there is a need for improved fishing lures and
attractors in design and manufacture to improve the attraction of
fish to the lure and ultimately to the hook or plurality of hooks.
There is also a need for a simplified system of components to allow
the user to quickly and easily replace one or more of the blades
without replacing the entire fishing lure. The present invention
satisfies this demand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is discussed herein with reference to
any type of lure or attractors that includes a blade body
component. Lure types that include a blade body component include
for example, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, in-line spinners, French
spinners, vibrating lures, casting spoons, jigs, trolling spoons,
flutter spoons, weedless spoons and ice blades.
[0010] According to the present invention, the blade body component
is formed from an aluminum material that includes a first side and
a second side. The material may be any type such as metal,
non-metal, or alloy. A surface relief grating image effect
component is positioned on at least one side of the blade body
component. The surface relief grating image effect component is
that as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,491,021 and 7,367,759 both to
Kozlowski, incorporated herein by reference.
[0011] The blade body component is formed into any shape and size.
For example, any shape includes those known as Colorado, Indiana,
Willow, Chopper, French, Dakota, In-Line, Doc Shelton, Muskie,
Delta, Propeller, Quad Propeller, Chopper Propeller, Clacker, Jig
Dancer, Plug Bill lip, Jitterbug Bib, Flap Tail, Creeper Wings,
Tally Wacker Tail, Dodgers and Flashers, to name a few. Size of the
blade component includes, for example, any length and width.
[0012] It is also contemplated the blade body component may be of
any color, finish, or weight. For example, the blade body component
may be the color gold, silver, copper, red, blue, green or any
combination thereof. The finish may be hammered, smooth or rippled,
to name a few.
[0013] In another embodiment, the blade body component includes a
curvature, or non-flat or non-straight appearance. The curvature is
produced by a die or curving device. By using progressive stamping
and an automatic feeder, the blade body can be punched, bent and
otherwise modified, resulting in the blade described herein.
[0014] The fishing lure is made up of a number of components that
work together to attract and catch a fish. As an example, a
spinnerbait is made up of one or more blades as discussed herein
for attracting the fish to the lure, one or more swivels and/or
hollow metal beads to allow the blades to maintain space from one
another and to move freely in a number of directions, a number of
clevises and/or clasps that allow for the attachment of the blades
to the lure, and a head and/or body including a skirt which acts as
bait for a particular type of fish.
[0015] By incorporating a clasp, such as a lobster clasp, into the
fishing lure, along with a quick change clevis, made from wire,
coiled and formed such that one or more of the blade bodies can be
removed from the lure and replaced with other blade bodies without
necessarily changing the entire blade. The quick change clevis is
made by wrapping a piece of wire into a coil shape with an
extension that bends up and makes contact with the outer portion of
the coil. The configuration creates a loop in which the extension
can be pulled or forced from the coil to attach the blade. Once
attached, the extension returns to its original position against
the coil, thereby holding the blade in place.
[0016] As such, when weather or water condition (or both) change,
the user can quickly and easily replace one or more blades without
untying or replacing the lure being used. The blade replacement
takes a few seconds and the user is ready to begin fishing again
with a different set of blades.
[0017] The present invention and its attributes and advantages will
be further understood and appreciated with reference to the
detailed description below of presently contemplated embodiments,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention can be better understood by reading the
following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments,
reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a fishing lure
including two blade body components according the to present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a fishing lure
including a blade body component according the to present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a blade body component
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the blade body component
according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the blade body component
according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a progressive
stamping system to produce a curvature of the blade body component
and holes according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate different attractors according to
the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B are photographs of the different types and
colors of blades and a lure according to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a fishing lure incorporating the clasp
and clevis devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a clasp device for attaching a blade
body component to the fishing lure in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a clevis device for attaching a blade
body component to the fishing lure in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0030] As mentioned above, there are many types of lures and
attractors that include a blade body component. FIG. 1 illustrates
one embodiment of a spinner-bait fishing lure that includes two
blade body components. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the
spinnerbait fishing lure 100 includes a base element 102 that
interconnects to a wire 104 on one end and a hook 106 on the other
end. A plurality of streamers (silicone or rubber skirt) 108
surround the base element 102 and are secured by a band (or collar)
110. As shown in FIG. 1, two blade body components 300A, 300B are
assembled to the wire 104.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a blade lure,
specifically a minnow spoon fishing lure. More specifically, as
shown in FIG. 2, the minnow spoon fishing lure 200 includes a blade
body component 202 that includes two connection holes 204A, 204B.
Rings 206A, 206B engage with connection holes 204A, 204B
respectively. A hook 208 assembles to ring 206A and a leader 210
assembles to ring 206B.
[0032] FIGS. 3 through 5 illustrate a blade body component
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The present
invention is discussed herein with reference to a spinnerbait, but
any type of lure that includes a blade body component is
contemplated, for example, buzzbaits, in-line spinners, French
spinners, vibrating lures, casting spoons, jigs, trolling spoons,
flutter spoons, weedless spoons and ice blades. More specifically,
the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the
shape of a double willow blade spinnerbait for exemplary purposes
only. Any shape blade body component is contemplated, for example,
Colorado, Willow, Indiana, Chopper, French, Dakota, In-Line, Doc
Shelton, Muskie, Delta, Propeller, Quad Propeller, Chopper
Propeller, Clacker, Jig Dancer, Plug Bill lip, Jitterbug Bib, Flap
Tail, Creeper Wings, Tally Wacker Tail; and attractors (see FIGS.
7A and 7B) such as Dodgers, Flashers, and Divers, among others.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, a blade body component 300 is
formed from material 302 that includes a first side 302A and a
second side 302B. The material 302 may be any type such as metal,
non-metal, or alloy. A surface relief grating image effect
component 310 is positioned on the first side 302A of the material
302, although it is contemplated that the surface relief grating
image effect component 310 can be placed on the second side 302B,
or both sides 302A, 302B of the material 302. The surface relief
grating image effect component 310 is that as described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 7,491,021 and 7,367,759 both to Kozlowski, incorporated
herein by reference.
[0034] The material 302 is formed into the blade body component 300
of any size and shape, such as by stamping, embossing, pressing,
punching, and cutting, for example, water jet cutting, laser
cutting and steel rule die, or die cutting. In the preferred
embodiment, a progressive stamping procedure is used to form the
blade 300. After the material 302 is formed into the blade body
component 300, in certain embodiments the blade body component 300
includes a curvature, which may vary depending on the intended
vibration of the device or water displacement, such as that shown
in FIG. 5.
[0035] The curvature within the blade body component and holes
according to one embodiment of the present invention is produced by
a progressive stamping system 400 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and as
known by those having ordinary skill in the art. The progressive
stamping system 400 contains a curving device 402 having a bottom
component 404, with a convex shape. The stamping system 400 also
contains a hole punch 406 and various guide posts 408. The material
302 is automatically or manually fed into the progressive stamping
system 400 and is positioned using the guide posts 408. The
progressive stamping system 400 is then closed and the bottom
component 404 of the curving device 402 makes contact with the
material 302 and creates the curved surface. At the same time, the
hole punch 406 places a hole in the material 302 and the force of
the stamping process cuts the newly formed blade from the material
302. The system 400 is then opened and the material 302 is fed
again into place for the next stamping. FIG. 6 shows an example of
a progressive stamping system 400 for a # 5 Willow Blade.
[0036] There are several ways that these blades and attractors can
be finished to achieve different colors and luster (reflectivity),
such as powder-coating (powder paints), use of automotive paints,
acrylic paints, epoxy paints, vinyl paints, water based paints,
lacquer paints, anodizing and plating. Other methods of finishing
the blades and attractors can be used in accordance with the
present invention as understood by those having ordinary skill in
the art of finishing metal material.
[0037] FIG. 8A is a photograph of various sized and colored blades
in accordance with the preferred embodiment. The blades have been
formed as described herein and powder-coated to create the various
colors. FIG. 8B is a photograph of a lure that has been assembled
using two blades in accordance with the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows a fishing lure 600 made up of a number of
components that work together to attract and catch a fish (not
shown). The fishing lure 600, such as a spinnerbait and the other
types of lures described herein, can be configured with one or more
blades 610 for attracting the fish to the lure 600, a swivel 612
with split rings 615 to attach blade to wire-form, a spring spacer
620 sandwiched between two hollow metal beads 630 to allow the
blades 610 to maintain space from one another and to move freely in
a number of directions, a number of clevises 640 and/or clasps 650
that allow for the attachment of the blades 610 to the lure 600,
and a head and/or body 660 including a tail 670 which hides a hook
680 and acts as bait for a particular type of fish.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows a clasp 650, such as a lobster clasp or
lobster hook, that is incorporated into the fishing lure 600. The
clasp 650, usually used for necklaces, bracelets and key chains, is
a type of fastener held closed by a spring (not shown) which can be
opened by holding down a small lever 652. Once the lever 652 is
held down, the claw mechanism 654 moves in a direction usually
towards the lever 652 and thereby opens the catch 656. A ring-like
structure 658 at one end allows the clasp 650 to be attached to
another item, such as the fishing lure 600. In the present
invention, the clasp 650 is attached to the fishing lure 600 using
the ring-like structure 658.
[0040] Once attached to the lure 600 (as shown in FIG. 9), a blade
610 can be easily attached to the catch 656 by pressing down on the
lever 652 until the claw mechanism 654 moves and then sliding the
blade 610 onto the catch 656. Once on the catch 656, the lever 652
is released and the blade 610 is held on the clasp 650 by the catch
656 and the claw 654. Now the blade can be easily and quickly
removed from the lure 600 and replaced with a different blade 610
as water clarity or weather conditions change.
[0041] FIG. 11 shows a quick change clevis 640, made from a coiled
wire 642, and an extension or retaining arm 644. The clevis 640 is
placed on the blade arm of wire form (shown in FIG. 9) and is
spaced from the clasp 650 and other components by a spring spacer
620, hollow metal beads 630, or both.
[0042] The quick change clevis 640 is made by wrapping a piece of
wire, for example, 0.021 inch, stainless steel wire, into a coil
shape 642 with an extension or retaining arm 644, preferably made
from the same wire in a single piece, that curves up and makes
contact with the outer portion of the coil 646, preferably with no
gap between the outer coil 646 and the retaining arm 644. The
configuration creates a loop 648 in which the retaining arm 644 can
be pulled or forced from the coil 642 to attach the blade 610. Once
attached, the retaining arm 644 returns to its original position
against the outer portion of the coil 646, thereby holding the
blade 610 in place.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the clevis 640 is configured to
be about 0.29 inches high, with the loop 648 created by the
retaining arm 644 about 0.16 inches out from the center of the coil
642, such that a blade 610 can be easily placed on the retaining
arm 644 and then captured when the retaining arm 644 returns to its
original position against the outer portion of the coil 646.
[0044] The clevis 640 is configured such that a blade body 610 can
be removed from the clevis 640 and thus the lure 600 and replaced
with another blade body 610 without changing the entire lure
600.
[0045] For example, if weather or water conditions change, the user
can pull on the retaining arm 644 of the clevis 640 and quickly and
easily, and replace the blade 610 with another blade 610. There is
no need to replace the entire lure 600. The blade replacement takes
a few seconds and the user is ready to begin fishing again with a
different set of blades.
[0046] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have
been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been
described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there
is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *